Could we be...

twins? This is my sister Melissa. We are 3 years 3 months apart. We are often told that we look like twins! Sometimes Melissa's kids run up to me thinking that I am her, and sometimes our husbands even get us mixed up! I know a lot of it has to do with the fact that we are the same height and approximately the same weight, but a lot of people think we look alike in the face as well. Sometimes I see it, and other times I don't! What do you see?

What I do know, is that I am so lucky to have such an amazing sister! She is smart, kind, patient, sweet, funny, caring, happy, and a ton of fun to be around! We always have a great time together, and can always make one another laugh! We are goofy when we are together!! I am so blessed to have her in my life, and I don't know what I would do without her! Love ya Lissa!!

She is WAY tanner than me in this pic! Man I am so freakin' pale!!

I think we look a lot alike in this pic!

Introducing...

baby Xander!! Xander was born on January 6, 2010! Isn't he handsome! We are so happy to have a new nephew. Congratulations Jeff and Bethany!!

New Years!!

Christmas 2009

White Elephant Party

For the last 3 years we have had a white elephant gift exchange at our house before Christmas. It is a fun way to get the couples in the ward together and have some fun. Poor Adam from our ward could not pick a good gift for the life of him! His first two gifts were girly and stolen from him. Then he chose a lovely green shirt that is pictured below, and no one wanted to steal it from him! It was hilarious!!

Opportunity Village and Santa's Lap

In early December, we headed to Opportunity Village, a non-profit organization that raises money for people with disabilities. They have a Santa Village with beautiful lights. It was fun, but freezing that night!

On another note, Madison sat on Santa's lap this year. She told him that she wanted a Princess plano (piano) and make-up! It was really cute, especially because she can't say piano correctly!

Madison's First Dance Recital

Madison had her first dance recital in December, and she did great! Grandma, Grandpa, Brook, Chad, daddy, and myself were all in attendance. If you look closely at picture 2, you can see that she had to be escorted off the stage by her dance teacher Ms. Laurie. It was pretty funny!! She just wanted to stay on stage with the big girls! Because I was so worried about videoing the performance, most of my pictures didn't turn out so well. Oh-well, at least we have great video!

San Diego Wild Animal Park

The LaLanne family at the Wild Animal Park! Madison was being a stinker when we first arrived, but soon found joy in a day packed full of fun for her!

Gabby's baptism

My 8 year niece Gabby was baptised on November 7, 2009. I was so grateful that I was able to attend. She is such a sweet girl with so much light. She is kind and thoughtful, and everyone wants to be her friend. Madison absolutely adores Gabby! Gabby shared her testimony, and I would like to share it with you. It is so pure and sweet:

I know the church is true. I feel good about being baptized because I know that Jesus will come to earth and that I can tell him about my baptism. I feel good that I am going to be baptized because I will become a member of the church. I know Joseph Smith prayed in the grove. I know Jesus is real! I know he went to America. I know prayers can change your life. I know the scriptures are true. I am grateful that Jesus suffered from being on the cross. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I am so proud of Gabby! She is a great girl, and I am so proud to be her aunt!

Brook's Birthday!

My beautiful sister in-law Brook's birthday was the same weekend as the baby shower. We celebrated her b-day the night before the shower by going out to dinner at the Renaissance in Dana Point. AKA: Jeff and Bethany's restaurant...literally, they own it! It is FABULOUS! I took a pic of Brook's dinner so you could get a taste for how good it is! We had fun dancing to the live band and eating great food! Happy Birthday Brook!!!